Hammers cool Yakubu interest

West Ham are looking at different targets after failing to match Everton's valuation of Yakubu Aiyegbeni.

Last Updated: 12/08/10 8:50am

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has told Everton that they need to be 'more realistic' in their valuation of Yakubu Aiyegbeni and has confirmed that his club are now looking at different transfer targets.

Sky Sports News revealed on Tuesday that the Hammers had bid for the Nigeria international as new manager Avram Grant seeks to increase his attacking options ahead of the new Premier League season.

Everton would appear to be willing to listen to offers, but Sullivan was less than impressed with an £8m valuation and has implied that West Ham are looking elsewhere after stating that Yakubu should be worth between £1m and £2m.

Sullivan said in the Daily Telegraph: "We have cooled on Yakubu. When you have a good, hard look at him, we want younger and quicker and better.

"Everything has a price. You want to get Yakubu for £1-2m and they are quoting £8m and that is far too much.

"They have to be more realistic. If they said £1-2m we might go back. We bid more at the start of the summer because we had more flexibility but, at this moment in time, having spent some of our money on other players we want him for £1-2m."

Meanwhile, West Ham have handed a trial to former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere.

Aliadiere is available on a free transfer after leaving Middlesbrough at the end of last season.

Hammers boss Avram Grant will cast an eye over the Frenchman before deciding whether or not to offer him a deal at Upton Park.

Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Paul Smith is also on trial at West Ham after being placed on the transfer list at the City Ground.